I don’t know if you have noticed, but the Yukons have arrived! Now before I start let me tell you, I make part of my living serving the Yukons, Escalades and Hummers. Yes I am referring to the nice people of Alberta who come and spend their well-earned oil money here in our beautiful Okanagan, driving those big cars/trucks.

For the hospitality industry this is the time of the year where you finally fill up your restaurant everyday or have tourists lined up for your wine tours or whatever it is that you are selling. I have nothing against capitalization of our area, but it would be as nice if those tourists did not drive humongous trucks. Every time I back up at the butcher I am always freaking-out scared that I will back up into one of those big things. I also think it is absolutely ridiculous to actually walk into a store leaving your massive truck running so it is nice and fresh once you come back from buying your two steaks.

So let’s face it, without the Yukons the farmers would have a bit more trouble selling their fruits and vegetables and the wineries would be stuck with leftover wine every year. I am only suggesting that they still come spend their money, but maybe in smaller cars and shut them off while shopping (the trucks, I mean – not the people).

She says:

As a former Albertan I would like to defend the prairie friendliness that is offered by the large majority of people who come to the Okanagan. I will not argue that the folks from “the land of milk and honey” love their SUV’s – I drove my Forerunner until it would not go any farther – but more importantly they love to share their wealth, and for that I am grateful, as it helps to pay my salary. I am also grateful that we are building a better awareness for moderation might we hope to learn that over-indulging too much even if you have the resources does not work to your advantage in the long run?

I used to wonder if the arguments about money not buying happiness were just for people who didn’t have enough money to test the theory. I have since come to the conclusion that happiness has more to do with enjoying what you have, whether that is money or time or friends or just being alive. Don’t get me wrong – I still think about what I would do with that 649 money, but I try hard to remember that without it my life is still rich, even though I don’t drive a Forerunner anymore, but a scooter.

We celebrate eight years of marriage together this week, and one of the things that time has taught me is to appreciate the differences in people and culture. The Quebecois I know are not shy to share their opinions and they are mostly convinced those opinions are the right ones. The Albertans I know are much the same, but they drive bigger vehicles and speak a different language and eat beef instead of pork. I like both beef and pork, and I love riding my scooter, and once in a while I like to share my opinion too. In closing I will offer the quote I put in Martin’s anniversary card. The only part missing which I think is implied, is good food. So, toast your good health and good friends this week, and all their crazy habits!

May heaven grant you in all things your heart’s desire – husband, house and a happy peaceful home. For there is nothing better in this world than that a man and woman, sharing the same ideas, keep house together. It discomforts their enemies and makes the hearts of their friends glad – but they themselves know more about it than anyone. - Homer, 8th century BC

Kristin Peturson-Laprise is a customer experience specialist by trade, which means she is someone passionate about people having a good time.

Her company, Wow Service Mentor, helps businesses enhance their customer experience through hands-on training, service programs, and special event coordination.

Kristin enjoys her own experiences too, and that is what she writes about in this column. She and her husband Martin Laprise (also known as Chef Martin, of The Chef Instead) love to share their passion for food and entertaining.

Kristin says:

"Wikipedia lists a gourmand as a person who takes great pleasure in food. I have taken the concept of gourmandise, or enjoying something to the fullest, in all parts of my life. I love to grow and cook food, and I loved wine enough to become a Sommelier. I call a meal a success when I can convey that 'sense of place' from where the food has come . . . the French call that terroir, but I just call it the full experience. It might mean tasting the flavours of my own garden, or transporting everyone at the table to a faraway place, reminiscent of travels or dreams we have had."